1. What is an Extended Essay in History?
Please be very clear that you understand that a History EE is not just about answering a burning question that you may have about the past. They are really looking for you to demonstrate an understanding of the process used by historians - your essay will be judged according to whether it demonstrates: original research, use of primary and secondary sources, use of the most relevant historiography, challenges to a historian's views and ideas as appropriate/part of your argument, an appreciation of why a particular historian/primary source would hold a view (used as part of your argument).
This is, of course, in addition to producing a well focused analytical overall argument that answers an interesting historical question.
You should not complete and EE form until you have read more about this in the IBO document below:
This is, of course, in addition to producing a well focused analytical overall argument that answers an interesting historical question.
You should not complete and EE form until you have read more about this in the IBO document below:
History Specific Guide
![]()
|
General Guide - Rubric inside
![]()
|
2. What will the timeline be for History students?
As History is a unique academic discipline, you will be working to a different version of the EE timeline than other subjects. The History specific advice is highlighted in green in the document below and supersedes all others.
3. Getting Started
Where do I complete work?
Mr Tipney will share a folder with you that will have the documents below included in it. This will also be shared with your supervisor and you must work directly within it. In this first phase of the investigation you must be making all your notes in the EE Research Frame. You will also complete the plans in here at the appropriate time (see History specific timeline).
Mr Tipney will share a folder with you that will have the documents below included in it. This will also be shared with your supervisor and you must work directly within it. In this first phase of the investigation you must be making all your notes in the EE Research Frame. You will also complete the plans in here at the appropriate time (see History specific timeline).
Where do I complete my three reflections?
You will complete your reflections on Managebac. You will also submit your formal fully written draft on Managebac at the start of Year 13.
How do I know if I have a good question?
Following your first one to one meeting with your supervisor, insert your initial question into this document. Your supervisor and other teachers may comment to give you advice.
Will my question change?
Your question will likely evolve, grow more focused or even change entirely as a result of research. This is generally an indicator of good research!
You will complete your reflections on Managebac. You will also submit your formal fully written draft on Managebac at the start of Year 13.
How do I know if I have a good question?
Following your first one to one meeting with your supervisor, insert your initial question into this document. Your supervisor and other teachers may comment to give you advice.
Will my question change?
Your question will likely evolve, grow more focused or even change entirely as a result of research. This is generally an indicator of good research!
4. 'B' Grade Exemplar with examiner feedback (note this is a new syllabus and so there are no further examples form the IB)

ee_hist_examplea_e__1_.pdf | |
File Size: | 855 kb |
File Type: |
Examiner Feedback:
Overall: 23/28
The topic is identified and the research question is appropriate and stated clearly. Context is given and its significance explained. A focus on the research question is maintained effectively throughout the essay with frequent linkage to the topic. The structure is clear and, for the most part, each argument is explained and supported with sources used effectively, as indicated in the introduction. The knowledge demonstrated is relevant and of a good standard, but not always as thorough as it might be given the quantity of material that has been published on this period of Soviet history. Molotov’s adherence to ideology, for example, could be better explained and more fully supported. Similarly, a better understanding of Stalin’s inner circle (not just Molotov) would have been useful, to add further context. Appropriate terminology is used accurately and effectively. The level of research carried out is good and the material is analysed in a way that is clearly relevant to the question. Conclusions for individual points of analysis are stated, but not always effectively with some assertions rather weakly supported. There is an effective and reasoned argument attempted throughout, but the evaluation of sources is somewhat neglected. Several opportunities to strengthen analysis are missed. The formal presentation is very good and the layout supports the reading and understanding of the essay.
Overall: 23/28
The topic is identified and the research question is appropriate and stated clearly. Context is given and its significance explained. A focus on the research question is maintained effectively throughout the essay with frequent linkage to the topic. The structure is clear and, for the most part, each argument is explained and supported with sources used effectively, as indicated in the introduction. The knowledge demonstrated is relevant and of a good standard, but not always as thorough as it might be given the quantity of material that has been published on this period of Soviet history. Molotov’s adherence to ideology, for example, could be better explained and more fully supported. Similarly, a better understanding of Stalin’s inner circle (not just Molotov) would have been useful, to add further context. Appropriate terminology is used accurately and effectively. The level of research carried out is good and the material is analysed in a way that is clearly relevant to the question. Conclusions for individual points of analysis are stated, but not always effectively with some assertions rather weakly supported. There is an effective and reasoned argument attempted throughout, but the evaluation of sources is somewhat neglected. Several opportunities to strengthen analysis are missed. The formal presentation is very good and the layout supports the reading and understanding of the essay.
Article for Research Frame Example

autarky_1.pdf | |
File Size: | 976 kb |
File Type: |
To what extent was Hitler's economic policy the main reason why he stayed in power?